Alice Austin, from West End Lane, Esher, is holding the event in memory of her daughter Gillian who died of meningitis in 2004. Ladies are invited to re-live their special day by wearing their wedding gowns, and taking along their bridesmaids and any guests they might want to include. Men should wear their wedding outfit, black tie or a lounge suit. Alice said: “I had the idea when I was out shopping with my daughter-in-law in August. We thought it is a shame you only have a chance to wear your wedding dress once, especially given the price you pay for it.” The ball, on April 14, will also raise money for the charity Born Too Soon. The foundation is an offshoot of Kingston Hospital’s neonatal unit and is particularly close to the family’s heart. In 2001, Gillian gave birth to a baby boy, called Tom. He was premature at 30 weeks, and survived thanks to the hard work of the unit at Kingston Hospital. Three years later, Gillian contracted meningitis while pregnant with her second child. The infant, a daughter called Grace, died an hour after she was born and Gillian died soon after. Alice said she felt hugely indebted to the Kingston Hospital staff who saved Tom’s life. She said: “I would like to say a huge thanks to the neonatal staff, who are truly dedicated to their work. “You see these huge men handling tiny babies, and it is just so heart-warming. I want to thank them for my grandson.” Tom is now a healthy five-year-old boy, who enjoys robots, dinosaurs and football. “He is a beautiful boy, the image of his mum. He has a lot of her ways about him as well. He is such a comfort and a delightful little boy,” Alice said. The wedding ball has already gathered considerable momentum, with more than one third of the tickets sold in the first week. Businesses and wellwishers have also rushed forward to donate prizes for the night. There will be an auction and a raffle for Born Too Soon, with prizes including Heineken Cup tickets, Champions League tickets and Sandown race day passes. Alice is determined to make the ball a special night for everyone involved. She said: “Holding an evening to thank the neonatal unit of Kingston Hospital was something Gillian really wanted to do. “I thought I would not have the strength or the courage to see it through, but I have. Gillian will be there in spirit, and we will celebrate her life and Grace’s in a positive and uplifting way.” Tickets for the wedding ball cost £50, and include a three-course-meal and dancing to a live band. Tables of eight, 10 and 12 can be accommodated, and the event will run from 7pm to midnight. For more information and booking, e-mail weddingball@hotmail.co.uk or call Alice on 01372 462215.